Greece eases checks for Brits

Greece is waiving fingerprint and facial-image registration for British passport holders at its border crossing points, even though the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System went fully live on April 10. (euronews.com) The UK Foreign Office updated its Greece travel advice on April 10, saying British citizens entering the Schengen area for short stays “may need” to register biometrics such as fingerprints and a photo. Greece’s main travel-advice page says that update was made the same day. (gov.uk 1) (gov.uk 2) The Entry/Exit System is the European Union’s digital replacement for passport stamps for non-EU visitors on short stays. The European Commission says it records passport data, entry and exit dates, facial images and fingerprints across 29 countries using the system. (ec.europa.eu 1) (ec.europa.eu 2) For British travellers, the usual rule is straightforward: on a first trip into the Schengen area, border staff may scan a passport, take a face photo and collect fingerprints from adults and children aged 12 and over. The UK government says the registration is free and the digital record remains valid for three years. (gov.uk 1) (gov.uk 2) Greece had been an early mover on the system. Its embassy in London said in September 2025 that Greece would begin using the Entry/Exit System from October 12, 2025, with full implementation by April 9, 2026. (mfa.gr) Greek airports were still warning of longer processing times days before full rollout. Travel industry outlet GTP reported on April 9 that biometric collection was being carried out at passport control points and that waits remained longer than under standard procedures, especially in peak periods. (news.gtp.gr) Euronews reported that the exemption was communicated by the Greek Embassy in London and framed as a way to keep arrivals moving ahead of the summer rush. The outlet said Greece expected the change to reduce waiting times and ease congestion at airports serving island destinations such as Santorini. (euronews.com) The broader system is still in force across Europe. The European Commission said on March 30 that more than 45 million border crossings had already been registered during the phased rollout, and that the system had helped identify overstayers, refused entrants and suspected identity fraud. (ec.europa.eu) For now, the practical difference for many UK holidaymakers heading to Greece is simple: they should still check official advice before travel, but Greece’s latest move means some summer arrivals can expect a passport stamp instead of a stop at the biometric booth. (gov.uk) (euronews.com)